Hughton rules out Wolves switch

15 February 2012 11:17

Birmingham boss Chris Hughton has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant managerial post at Wolves.

Hughton had been mentioned as an outsider for the role in the wake of Mick McCarthy's sacking on Monday after five and a half years in charge at Molineux. Hughton has done a stirring job since taking over at St Andrews, with the Blues unbeaten at home in the npower Championship this season as they push for promotion back to the Barclays Premier League.

As far as Hughton is concerned though, he believes he has a job to finish with Birmingham, rather than any thoughts of taking on a new one at Wolves. Asked about the speculation linking him with Wolves, Hughton said: "Anything like that is always very flattering."

He added: "On the television I saw three names mentioned, so I presume that's where it's going and I just hope they pick the right person.

"I have a very challenging job to do here and I've got a group of lads who are desperate to do well this season and I'm desperate to guide them through."

Pressed on whether he was ruling himself out, Hughton told the Birmingham Mail: "I'm desperate to guide this group of players out to the end, yes."

It is understood, meanwhile, Wolves are to begin interviewing prospective candidates on Wednesday, with Alan Curbishley, Steve Bruce and Neil Warnock the three key names in the frame.

Wolves are hopeful defender Sebastien Bassong will be fit to face Newcastle on February 25. A scan has revealed that Bassong, on loan from Spurs, has a minor grade one hamstring tear.